THE GULF ISLAND'S WHALE & WILDLIFE TOURS-Salt Spring Island and Galiano Island

2011-10-13T14:03:00.001-07:00

Our Location,Salt Spring Marina,Ganges

Another fantastic marine wildlife season has come to an end.Thank you for all your support,we had more sightings than ever before,Killer Whales,Sea Lions,Dall's Porpoise,Bald Eagles and much more,in the best location in the world,the Gulf Islands!
On our tour programs the destination is WILDLIFE! And since the locations of many animals are determined by the tides, weather, time of day, breeding cycles and food supply, we do not confine our journeys to one particular route. The speed and maneuverability of our specially-built vessel, and the daily observations of our crew, make a tour with OutDoor Visions the best way to experience the nature and splendor of Gulf Islands. Every journey truly is unique.

For 2012 bookings and information please email us gulfislandssafari@gmail.com and we will get back to you asap!

NEWS -December 2011

NOAA's NW Fisheries Science Center and the Center for Whale Research have confirmed that on December 17, 39-year old J16 (Slick) gave birth to a new baby calf in Puget Sound, probably only a few hours judging from the fresh fetal folds, before being seen and photographed by veteran field researcher Candice Emmons of NWSFC. This makes J16's fifth calf since her first, J26, was born in 1991. She was the sixteenth J pod orca photographed and identified by Mike Bigg in 1972, and is among the oldest whose age is known exactly. Her matriline is known as the J7's after J16's late mother.

2011-05-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Real Adventures Departing from SALT SPRING ISLAND, Salt Spring Marina,Ganges.
Pick ups available on GALIANO ISLAND,MAYNE ISLAND and PENDER ISLAND on request

CONTACT US
for departure times and charter information
OutDoor Visions (Gulf Islands Safari) Located at
Salt Spring Marina(Ganges)
3/126 Upper Ganges Road Salt Spring Island, V8K2S2

250 538 7188
Toll Free 1 888 656 9878
email- gulfislandssafari@gmail.com

We operate daily* based on weather and on whale/marine wildlife sighting information. Sightings of killer whales vary day to day and generally sightings are greater between May and October.We belong to a spotter network and will provide passengers with the most up to date information prior to departure.

Minimum distances apply for wildlife viewing

*Our departure times will vary based on direction and movements of wildlife to offer maximum viewing times

We recently designed the following group package for a client,if your group is looking for a Gulf Island getaway,please contact us.
Great for hikers,cyclist or photography groups....

The Package:

         Setting-The Gulf Islands Island,British Columbia

Established in 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of British Columbia's beautiful southern Gulf Islands archipelago. These islands are representative of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands, one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in southern Canada. This small park reserve includes thirty-six square kilometres of land and marine area on fifteen islands, numerous islets and reefs which provide valuable habitat for seals and nesting shorebirds. Additionally twenty-six square kilometres of submerged lands are also administered for national park purpose

Features -

-Float plane to and from Salt Spring Island,an adventure itself!

-Local hotel,lodge or B&B,located near the village of Ganges,Salt Spring Island, inclusive of breakfast,double occupancy

- 3 tours on our zodiac-photo safari/workshop,marine wildlife/whales and bird viewing
                                     -whale watching and local natural history,guest natuarlist
                                    - visit to a local vineyard, accessible only by boat.
All tours feature local naturalist,one tour accompanied by local wildlife photographer for expertise and tips.

-Evening Lecture-Marine mammals of the BC Coast and relationships to their environment.

- Marine Park Kayak Tour- (includes lunch)
4-hour tour include an interpretive walk.look out for eagles and their nests, river otters, harbour  seals,and a whole host of underwater  life.Includes lunch Our Gourmet Lunch.Taste the best locally sourced produce delicacies Salt Spring has to offer.  The lunch menu may include:
Salt Spring smoked salmon, cream cheese and fresh local bagels
Local in-season fruits and veggies
Salt Spring Goat Cheese, Tapenade and Roasted Garlic
Juice, Salt Spring Organic Coffee and tea
Chocolate for dessert

-Interpretive beach walk and talk- learn about the area’s intertidal zone's.An "intertidal zone" is an area that is covered by the highest tides and exposed during the lowest.
-Coastal Marine Ecology - putting together the puzzle
approx 4 hours http://vodpod.com/watch/1630610-the-intertidal-zone-by-david-denning-nfb
.
-Spend Saturday morning at the Salt Spring Market. Take the opportunity to individually explore one of Canada's famous markets. All vendors must follow a simple mandate: "make it, bake it, or grow it," and all products must be "vendor produced and sold". Highest caliber creativity and production standards make Salt Spring Island home to the greatest collection of artists in Canada. Enjoy meeting more than 140 artisans and food producers who all contribute to Salt Spring's international reputation as a hotbed of world-class artists and organic farmers.

-Last night's chef's dinner with local wine pairing.

-Equipment
-Full length cruiser suits/floatation for zodiac tours are provided.
-Equipment required-waterproof hiking gear,jackets,pants,shoes.These are all available for purchase locally
-Not provided,lunches(except on kayak tour)and dinners,except last night on Salt Spring
-Any dietary and mobility requirements should be acknowledged

Options available-Dining choices,spa treatments,bike rental,scooter rental,2 hour evening sail,first and last night accommodations in Vancouver as this will be your arrival and departure airport.Salt Spring is approx 25 min by float plane from Vancouver

Georgeson Passage

2010-10-07T22:04:00.002-07:00

2010-10-07T22:04:00.001-07:00

250 538 7188===== 1 888 656 9878 (toll free)

2010-10-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

250 538 7188===== 1 888 656 9878 (toll free)

2010-10-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

250 538 7188===== 1 888 656 9878 (toll free)

2009-12-14T21:00:00.001-08:00

<The Gulf Islands is among National Geographic's top coastlines Region is one of four from Canada on the coastal destinations list, seventh overall in the world; Postmedia News October 23, 2010 The Gulf Islands are among the four Canadian areas named to National Geographic Traveler's "top rated" category in a list of the world's 99 best coastal destinations -- they're in seventh place, with 78 points of a possible 100.

Outdoor Visions Private Tours rated "excellent" by 2 travelers

Member:
Since 2006
Salt Spring Island Chamber of Commerce
and
The Galiano Chamber of Commerce
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Travel-g184840-c156494/Galiano-Island:British-Columbia:Things.To.Do.On.Galiano.Island.html

<2 x 225 hp Yamaha
-thermal cruiser suits provided
-binoculars
-dry storage
-comfortable seating
-bathroom onboard

Under certain weather conditions Zodiac travel is not recommended for people with back pain,for children under 4 or expectant mothers.All participants must sign a waiver before departure.

We operate daily, based on weather and on whale/marine wildlife sighting information. Sightings of killer whales vary day to day and generally sightings are greater between May and October.We belong to a spotter network and will provide passengers with the most up to date information prior to departure.
Minimum distances apply for wildlife viewing

*Our departure times will vary based on direction and movements of wildlife to offer maximum viewing times

================= TOUR RATES ========================
Departures from Salt Spring Marina,Ganges

April 1 -November 1 2012

Whale Watching/Marine Wildlife

$109pp+tax
(Approx. -4.0 hours)
minimum 4 passengers -
Sighting reports updated before departures
$10 off for under 16's

$99pp+tax
(Approx. -3.0 hours)
minimum 4 passengers -
Sighting reports updated before departures
$10 off for under 16's

Sightings may also include Porpoise,Seals,Sea lions,eagles,marine birds etc.

Quick Wildlife Tour-$69pp (Approx 2.0 hours) travel to Active Pass-eagles,seals and quick trip around the nearby smaller Islands

*We require a minimum of 4 passengers for all tours & charters.

Group ideas:

Marine Wildlife,Saturna Island Vineyard Tour -$129pp+tax (Approx. 4.5 hours)

Gulf Island Bike or Hike drop off/pick up -$119pp+tax

Charters $350/hour

Visit the Pubs,Vineyards or restaurants of the Southern Gulf Islands,we can arrange a group outing with 4 or 5 stops.A great way to sample the Islands and meet the locals!

Recent Orca Sightings near Salt Spring/Galiano-
by us or by other vessels

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/quirks-quarks-blog/2010/02/what-to-do-with-a-killer-whale.html

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/oceans/science/sustainable-fisheries-and-aquaculture/marine-planning-and-conservation/killer-whales/

Attn: Cycle and Hiking Groups!
We also carry bicycles and hikers to the other Southern Gulf Island. Save a lot by flying in to Salt Spring Island,let us arrange your tour!

Group Tour Ideas

-Visit a winery-Saturna Island,Salt Spring Island and Pender Island
-Visit Butchart Gardens,available from all islands
-Salt Spring Saturday Market
-Dining out tours
-hiking tours
-whale watching/marine wildlife tours
-biking tours

- Group Bookings Terms and Conditions

A deposit of 50% might be requested when the group booking request is submitted. The person who is organizing the booking is responsible for paying this deposit in full. Date and time of booking will not be reserved until this deposit is received. The deposit will be refunded in full provided that all services booked were completed as stated and paid for in full. Full names and accurate phone numbers for each member of the group is necessary to complete the booking correctly. Outdoor Visions must be notified of any cancellations at least 48 hours in advance of the time of the booking. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will forfeit their deposit. Each member of the group is expected to arrive 30 minutes before the start time of the booking to prepay for their services.. If catering by Outdoor Visions is desired, specific menu selections must be confirmed at least 2 business days before the time of booking. Clients may bring their own food and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be carried. End time will depend on the services you request. Do you have any special requests or additional instructions?

No links to or from this web site are permitted without written consent form the owners.Failure to get written permission will result in a penalty.

2009-04-02T12:48:00.001-07:00

Picnic at Saturna Winery!

The Gulf Islands
The World's Best Natural Playground

How to find us

2009-03-19T19:48:00.001-07:00

Under certain weather conditions Zodiac travel is not recommended for people with back pain,for children under 4 or expectant mothers.All participants must sign a waiver before departure Group Bookings are available, Charter rate-$350/Hr + HST Please note that the cost of your services does not include a gratuity for your service provider or your host.

-Visit the Pubs,Vineyards or restaurants of the Southern Gulf Islands,we can arrange a group outing with 4 or 5 stops.A great way to sample the Islands and meet the locals!
-on board digital photography workshops.sightings of killer whales vary day to day and generally sightings are greater between May and October.We belong to a spotter network and will provide passengers with the most up to date information prior to departure.
*Our departure times will vary based on direction and movements of wildlife to offer maximum viewing times.
-Please call 250 538 7188
Group Bookings Terms and Conditions A deposit of 50% might be requested when the group booking request is submitted. The person who is organizing the booking is responsible for paying this deposit in full. Date and time of booking will not be reserved until this deposit is received. The deposit will be refunded in full provided that all services booked were completed as stated and paid for in full. Full names and accurate phone numbers for each member of the group is necessary to complete the booking correctly. Outdoor Visions must be notified of any cancellations at least 48 hours in advance of the time of the booking. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance will forfeit their deposit. Each member of the group is expected to arrive 30 minutes before the start time of the booking to prepay for their services.Services will begin on time, regardless of whether or not all members of the group have arrived. If catering by Outdoor Visions is desired, specific menu selections must be confirmed at least 2 business days before the time of booking. Clients may bring their own food and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be carried. Please note: There is no guarantee that your requested date and time will be available. We will check our booking schedule and respond to your request within 24 hours. If we cannot arrange an agreeable date and time for your group booking, then your deposit will be refunded. End time will depend on the services you request. Do you have any special requests or additional instructions?

Look who appeared on the back of our boat while we were viewing Transient Killer Whales!!

2008-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

NEWS

2008-04-21T12:32:00.000-07:00
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008755077_orca19m.html

2008-03-09T20:26:00.000-07:00
Strait of Georgia could be renamed Salish SeaB.C.'s Aboriginal Relations Minister Mike De Jong is reacting enthusiastically to a pitch from a Vancouver Island First Nation to rename the Strait of Georgia. The proposal would see the body of water between Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland become the Salish Sea to honour aboriginal settlement of the area that predates European exploration by thousands of years. The Strait of Georgia was originally named by Captain George Vancouver, one of the first Europeans to arrive in 1792, in honour of King George III. The Straight of Georgia separates the southwest mainland coast of B.C. from Vancouver Islands. (Province of British Columbia Shore Unit Map Gallery) De Jong said he's in favour of renaming the busy waterway that divides Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, saying it would help identify geographical places in the province where aboriginal history can be reflected. "It's a history of this place that extends beyond just 150 years. I liked the sound of the Salish Sea," he said. "At this point, it's an idea and I'm interested enough to pursue it." However, de Jong said the name change would likely be a complex process. The term Salish, refers to Coast Salish, the original language of the aboriginal inhabitants of the protected coast, including present-day Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, the east coast of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the lower parts of the Fraser River, and Puget Sound in Washington State. Archeological evidence indicates the area was first settled roughly 9000 years ago, after the retreat of the last ice age. Chemainus First Nation representative George Harris pitched the idea of renaming the strait to de Jong at an aboriginal summit on Friday in Vancouver. De Jong called the proposal "an idea whose time has come," and pledged to put it before the provincial cabinet for discussion.

2008-03-09T20:02:00.001-07:00
First Nations Culture and Traditional Activities There are many Coast Salish First Nations who have long and continuous ties to the Gulf Islands. The Coast Salish people have special ties to the environment—a spiritual connection to the land, the earth and the water. Their knowledge of natural systems has been passed down from generation to generation through oral histories. Over millennia and to this day, the forests and seas have provided them with food, materials for everyday life and places for spiritual contemplation. First Nations scientific and traditional knowledge are being used in parallel with modern science to help park managers make decisions on how to restore and maintain park ecosystems. The ocean has always been their central source of food—a rich harvest of seals, sea lions, whales, six-gilled shark, porpoise, shellfish, halibut, salmon and other fish. Duck hunting, trapping, hunting deer and small mammals and the harvesting of berries and plants are done in rhythm with the seasons. First Nations can pursue traditional activities—including hunting and harvesting of plants and other materials—within the national park reserve. Parks Canada works with First Nations to ensure that these activities are done in ways that respect the conservation of species and the ecosystem, and in a manner that does not endanger the safety of other park users. Watch for the warning signboards that are placed at access points when hunting is in progress. First Nations Cultural Heritage Sites First Nations people have resided in and used the Gulf Islands for thousands of years. We are reminded of their long-time presence by the layers of shells found at various sites throughout the park. These tell us that First Nations people had villages or camped at these locations while they made use of local natural resources. Archaeologists are able to determine the type of use at a site by the amount of layered shell: larger deposits indicate a village site. First Nations people value these sites as part of their history and as tangible evidence of their connection to the land. These sites are also meaningful to us all for the rich and complex perspective that they add to the history of the park, and require our respect and protection. You can help by leaving them undisturbed and using the provided stairs to avoid walking on the face of the shell layers. If you see suspicious behaviour or witness desecration of any cultural site, please contact us. It is illegal to remove cultural objects from the park; if you find artifacts, leave them in place, and notify park staff. Park managers are working with local First Nations to develop protocols for caring for cultural objects and sites found within the park

2008-03-09T19:57:00.000-07:00
We cary Bikes!

2008-03-09T19:42:00.001-07:00
Established in 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve safeguards a portion of British Columbia’s beautiful southern Gulf Islands archipelago. These islands are representative of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands, one of the most ecologically at risk natural regions in southern Canada. The first new national park reserve of the twenty-first century includes thirty-five square kilometres of land and intertidal area on fifteen islands, numerous islets and reefs, and approximately twenty-six square kilometres of marine areas. We encourage you to experience this exceptional coastal island landscape and the cultures of the people who live here so that the memories you take home are those that last a lifetime in your heart but leave no lasting trace on park ecosystems.

No links to or from this web site are permitted without written consent form the owners